Chess opening · ECO B00
Pirc Defense
Black starts the Pirc Defense with 1...d6, a hypermodern setup built from ...d6, ...Nf6, ...g6 and ...Bg7. White is allowed to build a broad pawn center first. Black then tries to undermine it with ...c5 or ...e5, using the g7 bishop to add pressure on d4 once the long diagonal opens.
- Rank by weighted share
- #24 of 159
Key moves
1. e4 d6
- 1... d6A modest pawn move that covers e5 and opens the c8 bishop's diagonal. It commits to almost nothing, so after 2.d4 Black can choose the Pirc with ...Nf6 and ...g6, or head for other structures with ...e5. The d6 pawn also prevents White's e-pawn from advancing to e5 without support.
Why 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 comes almost by itself
Once Black's knight lands on f6, it attacks e4, and White needs a defender. Nc3 develops a piece and guards the pawn at the same time, which is why the main Pirc position arises after 3...g6 with White's knight already on c3.
The Austrian Attack with f4
White can push the f-pawn to f4, building a three-pawn front on d4, e4 and f4. The plan is e5, driving the f6 knight away and cramping Black's kingside. Black has to answer quickly in the center, usually with ...c5, before that pawn wave rolls forward.
A slower alternative uses Be3 and Qd2, often with queenside castling and the idea of Bh6 to trade off the g7 bishop. Against it Black may expand on the queenside with ...c6 and ...b5.
The Austrian setup
2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. f4 Bg7 5. Nf3 O-O
White owns the center with three pawns, and Black has finished kingside development. The usual next step for Black is ...c5, striking at d4 before White can push e5.
Top replies by rating
| Rating | Top | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | d4 40% | Nf3 24% | Bc4 12% |
| 1200–1399 | d4 38% | Nf3 26% | Bc4 13% |
| 1400–1599 | d4 42% | Nf3 28% | Bc4 11% |
| 1600–1799 | d4 49% | Nf3 25% | Bc4 9% |
| 1800–1999 | d4 62% | Nf3 19% | f4 8% |
| 2000 and up | d4 81% | Nf3 11% | Nc3 3% |
Questions
How is the Pirc different from the Modern Defense?
In the Modern, Black plays ...g6 and ...Bg7 before ...Nf6, keeping the knight flexible. In the Pirc, the knight comes to f6 early and pressures e4, which pushes White toward Nc3.
Related openings
Try it on the board. The first coached game and three analyses are free.